Southampton have held Premier League leaders Chelsea to a 1-1 draw in this afternoon's Premier League clash at St Mary's Stadium to prevent them from extending their advantage at the top of the table.

Southampton's Senegalese midfielder Sadio Mane scores the opening goal past Chelsea's Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois Chelsea's during the English Premier League football match between Southampton and Chelsea at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton, south © Getty Images

Following a subdued start, the Saints had a great chance to go into the lead when Sadio Mane headed across goal from a corner, but John Terry was able to slide in and turn the ball behind.

Moments later, however, the hosts would find themselves in front when Dusan Tadic flicked the ball through for Mane, who then raced clear of Terry before lifting over stranded goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

However, just as it seemed as if the Saints would be leading Jose Mourinho's charges at the break, Eden Hazard struck back in first-half stoppage time to level proceedings.

Eden Hazard of Chelsea celebrates scoring his goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Southampton and Chelsea at St Mary's Stadium on December 28, 2014 © Getty Images

The Belgian cut inside Maya Yoshida before finding himself some space and curling a shot into the bottom corner of Fraser Forster's net.

Following the restart, Chelsea cranked up the pressure and went on to dominate the action, with Cesc Fabregas setting up Hazard, who swivelled and lashed a shot towards goal on the hour, but the effort flew wide.

Southampton defended stoically for the majority of the second half, though they endured a nervy final few minutes when Morgan Schneiderlin was sent off after hacking at Fabregas and earning himself a second yellow.

However, the hosts hung on for the draw which will leave the visitors looking nervously over their shoulders at the summit as Manchester City now sit just a point behind them ahead of their visit of Burnley.